Kom Tong Hall. A name that echoes through the corridors of Hong Kong’s history. Imagine yourselves transported back to 1914, standing here before this grand edifice as the first residents move in. Kom Tong Hall, named after its first owner, Ho Kom Tong, a prominent figure in the early 20th century. Ho Kom Tong (1866–1950), also known as Ho Kai-tong and Ho Sze-tsan, wasn’t just a successful businessman. He was a respected community leader and philanthropist. His influence resonated within the Chinese and Eurasian business circles of Hong Kong. He was truly a man of his time. The Ho family called Kom Tong Hall home until 1966. Then, a Chinese merchant family surnamed Cheng purchased the building. Later in the same year, the building changed hands again, this time to the French Mission. The government acquired Kom Tong Hall in 2004 and transformed it into the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Museum. Since December 2006, the museum has opened its doors to the public, showcasing a blend of architectural styles and historical significance. Kom Tong Hall stands as a testament to the integrated classical style, prevalent in Hong Kong during the era of King Edward VII. The striking red brick walls, the decorative granite around the windows, and the ornate iron railings of the verandah all speak to this era. Remarkably, Kom Tong Hall was one of the first buildings in Hong Kong to be constructed with a steel frame and have internal wall plastering with metal lathing. Step inside, and you’ll find interiors as rich as the history they hold. The building combines elements of Baroque and Rococo styles, evident in the grand staircase connecting the ground floor to the second floor. Admire the intricate banisters, the gold-leaf embossed plasterwork on the ceilings of the main rooms, and the stained glass windows, adorned with artistic patterns characteristic of the era’s innovative style. In 2010, Kom Tong Hall was declared a monument, solidifying its place in Hong Kong’s heritage.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to